Andrea Kelleher
Andrea (Delorie) Kelleher is a Career Ownership Coach and business owner who recently transitioned from a long corporate career into coaching. She has been working in this coaching role for about one year, helping mid- to late-career professionals take control of their careers, explore new opportunities, and consider business ownership as a pathway to autonomy and fulfillment. Andrea combines her corporate expertise with a personal passion for guiding others, creating a supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore their next steps.
Andrea helps professionals—including those experiencing layoffs, burnout, or ageism—navigate career transitions and explore business ownership. She brings a relaxed and authentic coaching style, utilizing tools such as DISC and strengths assessments, while encouraging clients to envision and “dream” about the next phase of their working lives. Her approach emphasizes self-awareness, clarity, and intentional decision-making, ensuring clients gain both confidence and actionable strategies for achieving their goals.
Before coaching, Andrea spent many years in corporate roles leading global initiatives, managing teams across regions, and training colleagues to excel in complex, dynamic environments. Her corporate experience includes additional specialized training in footwear construction (“shoe school”), which highlights her commitment to learning and technical mastery. Personal health challenges and a post-COVID reassessment inspired Andrea to pursue business ownership rather than return to the traditional corporate ladder, allowing her to align her career with her values while helping others build meaningful, self-directed professional paths.
• Basic Microsoft Certifications
• University of Southern California - BA
• Member, North Shore (Massachusetts) Chamber of Commerce
• 40 hours/ year of Community Service,
Timberland's Path of Service
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, self-reflection, and a willingness to take ownership of my career. About four years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and after completing treatment, I returned to work only to face the challenges of COVID in 2022. That period made me realize I wasn’t the same person I used to be I felt burned out and unsure of my next steps. Rather than moving to another company or competitor, I decided to invest in myself, work with a coach, and ultimately start my own business as a career ownership coach. Today, I help others navigate burnout, make thoughtful career decisions, explore entrepreneurship, and develop their leadership skills. Building my own business has been incredibly rewarding, and I find deep fulfillment in guiding others to create meaningful, intentional careers.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to avoid comparing myself to others. I focus on my own growth, progress, and goals, measuring success by the standards I set for myself rather than external benchmarks. This mindset has helped me stay confident, intentional, and motivated in both my personal and professional journey.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't compare yourself to others; map out your own path and make choices that fit your goals and life stage.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Andrea cites facing breast cancer and the impacts of COVID as pivotal experiences that changed her perspective on work. Those challenges opened an opportunity to pursue business ownership, prioritize lifestyle flexibility, and help others navigating similar crossroads.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value adventure, exploration, and continuous growth in both my personal and professional life. Activities like sailing, scuba diving, and spending time on the water reflect my love for new experiences and embracing challenges, while pursuits like golf and driving highlight my focus, discipline, and attention to detail. I also prioritize balance and autonomy, seeking opportunities that allow me to work independently while making meaningful contributions, and I bring that same intentionality and dedication to all aspects of my life.